We have had a full and exciting programme this term. Our students have gained valuable insights into the workplace and heard from a range of industry experts, including The Power of Events, SKY Studios, The Roundhouse, West Herts College, the University of Hertfordshire, and Futuresmart Careers, which specialises in apprenticeships.

Our Sixth Form students visited The Grove Hotel for a careers day focused on sport and golf. They took part in a workshop where they were given a budget of several thousand pounds to promote a brand at a golf tournament. They then presented their ideas to other schools, ensuring they stayed within budget while increasing brand awareness and sales. Students were also given a tour of the hotel and an overview of behind-the-scenes roles within the hospitality industry. In the afternoon, they enjoyed a lesson with a professional golf coach, along with a talk and demonstration from the grounds team on maintaining a top-class golf course—an experience that kept them fully engaged.

We are fortunate to be located near the TJX head office, and we are continuing to build strong links with their early careers team. Some of our students attended a careers morning where staff from the retail, buying and architecture teams explained their roles within the business. This included hearing from current apprentices and a graduate intern undertaking her industry placement. Students made valuable LinkedIn connections, and a few even secured work placement opportunities.

Generation Hertsmere was a great success, with students enjoying visits to a wide range of businesses and colleges. They asked thoughtful questions about future opportunities, helping them feel more confident in making informed choices. A visit to West Herts College gave students a clearer picture of the courses available and the facilities on offer. Queens’ students also had the chance to speak with West Herts students studying Health and Social Care, learning about the course structure and workload.

We would like to thank Nando’s, Wickes, JHP Electrical, Amazon and our Careers Link Governor for giving up their time to be “Dragons” for the Queens’ Den competition, run by the Fundraising & Business Departments.

Work placements have now been launched for our Year 12 and Year 10 students, with assemblies confirming that placements will take place from 6–10 July 2026. Students will use Unifrog to log and track their placements. If any parents work in a company or organisation that could offer placements during that week, please email Denise Manning.

Next term, our Year 7 students will be visiting SKY Studios Elstree for an interactive day, creating their own films from scripts and characters they design themselves. Some Year 9 students will be visiting RAF Northolt for a meteorology talk and tour, and selected sixth form students will visit the set of EastEnders (dates to be confirmed). Hertfordshire Zoos will also be delivering an assembly and workshops for Year 8. In addition, our careers programme will continue to work with the Hertfordshire Police Positive Action Group, who are scheduled to deliver an assembly.

For the first time, we will also be taking part in the Young Green Briton Challenge. Students will work in teams during a design workshop to create innovative solutions focused on sustainability. The winning team will visit the Houses of Parliament to celebrate their idea.

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